The 4 Most Popular Korean Dating Sites and Apps

If you are a foreigner interested in Korean culture, history, language, or music it's a logical step to look for a relationship with someone from the culture you so admire. However, if you're not of Korean descent you may find it difficult to break into the Korean dating scene. Koreans are known for somtimes being averse to relationships (especially romantic ones) with non-Koreans.

The problem for foreigners dating in South Korea

As we'll see later in this article, the majority of the most popular dating apps in South Korea are made by Koreans for Koreans. Some well known western apps have found their way into the country, but they are usually more popular with foreigners living in Korea than with actual Koreans.

This makes online dating a bit difficult for a waeguk-saram. Native apps are usually only available in the Korean language, and there's even been reports that many will even kick you off the platform if you're not Korean.

However, if you're a non-Korean the deck isn't completely stacked against you. There are some online options for foreigners who want to connect with Koreans in South Korea.

In this article we'll share a top pick for foreigners looking to connect with Koreans in South Korea. We'll also include some other dating apps which are either more common with foreigners or generally exclusive to native Koreans.

Enjoy!

Best site for foreigners to meet Koreans

Korean Cupid

Korean Cupid

Korean Cupid is the largest site focused on connecting foreigners and native Koreans for the hope of a romantic relationship. The site is owned in operated by Cupid Media, an Australian based company.

Cupid Media operates over 30 different niche dating sites. They use a combination of automated systems and user reporting to help curb spammers and scammers on their site. The site isn't 100% foolproof (no dating site is). Feel free to use the site safely, but as always watch for any warning signs.

"Korean Cupid is a very popular dating site in South Korea, and it’s hands down one of the best Korean dating sites in existence.

You’ll find plenty of real local women hoping to meet a foreign gentleman.

If you don’t mind hopping on a plane to meet the woman of your dreams, Korean Cupid is definitely worth a try."

The profiles on Korean Cupid are what you would expect from any honest dating site. User profiles are often times very appealing, but other times not. It's not all that different from what you would expect in a real world dating environment (which is a good sign if you're looking for a serious relationship).

Again, this is the largest site specifically aimed at connecting foreigners with women in South Korea. If you're serious about finding a relationship with a Korean woman through a dating site, Korean Cupid is probably going to be your first and foremost choice.

Most popular dating apps in the country

AMANDA

The AMANDA app is the most popular dating app in South Korea

The AMANDA dating app gets its name from a Korean acronym about meeting new people. AMANDA is the most popular dating app in South Korea. When you upload your profile on the app you are rated by other users on your appearance. If you get a sufficient rating you are allowed to use the app. If you don't, you're rejected and have to try again (usually with a better photo).

Once you're on the app you are free to "like" other people's profiles. If another person likes you back the app will allow you to message each other.

Even though AMANDA is the largest dating app in South Korea that doesn't mean it's an easy way for foreigners to meet local Koreans. The app is entirely in Korean, so if you don't know the language good luck with navigating your way through the app. It's also rumored that foreigners have been knocked off the app for not being Korean.

Noon Date

The concept behind Noon Date is pretty straight forward: everyday at noon you are shown two user profiles. If you and one of those two users both "like" each other on the app you will be free to message one another.

Much like AMANDA using Noon Date could be a long shot if you're a non-Korean. The app isn't in English, and you may encounter some online stigma for being a foreigner.

Notable metions

Tinder

The most popular dating app in the West hasn't quite caught on in South Korea. While many young Koreans may know the app or at least its name, by and large Koreans tend to opt for other Korean apps like AMANDA.

There's a bit of local apprehension toward foreign dating apps, mostly because Koreans feel that Korean dating apps are more secure and reputable.

If your goal is simply to date IN South Korea, and not necessarily date Koreans, you are liable to find a lot of foreigners on the app in and around Seoul. But who knows, you may also be able to connect with a local. No harm in trying!

It's also important to point out that unless you're physically in South Korea you'll need to pay in order to search Tinder for users not near your locale.

Conclusion

Dating is hard, whether you go out with someone across the street or across the globe. If you're a foreigner and your heart is calling you to Korea there are some online options for making genuine romantic connections.

If you don't know the local language then Korean Cupid is your best bet. If you are proficient in Korean you can try your luck with some of the more popular dating apps in the country (bonus points if you look Asian).

All the sites mentioned in this article allow users to create some sort of free account and at least try the app out. If you're on the fence about any of them I recommend checking the site out for yourself to see if it's right for you.